Ever think you have it all put together only to find yourself face-first in a pile of your own failure? Yup, me too. As I look through scripture I find that this is all too true of many of those who have gone before us. Look at Moses telling a half truth about his wife, Sarah. Watch the mighty Samson become weak and blind all because of his lust. Even Peter found himself denying the one he had called the Christ. While we all may sin, it is how we react when we sin that speaks volumes.

This week I found myself reading Psalm 51 after a couple hard days at church and home. I was wrestling with my flesh and the attitudes that come with it and was seeking a true prayer of repentance. I turned to the pen of David after he was confronted about his affair with Bathsheba. How did he respond to the realization of his sin?

Did he quickly justify his actions?

Did he blame Bathsheba for her part in it?

Did he yell at the prophet Nathan for being “judgmental”?

No, David cries out to God for mercy and asks God to change his heart. Listen to the words of a broken and contrite spirit:

“Have mercy on me, O God, according to Your loving kindness; according to the multitude of Your tender mercies. Blot out my transgressions. Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin.” Psalm 51:1

David understands that he sinned against a holy and righteous God. And he also understands that God is full of mercy. With this understanding he comes before God with a broken and contrite heart. One that is not full of pride, but willing to fall before God in need of grace.

As it is with each of us. We deserve nothing from God. We have all sinned against Him but because he is rich in mercy He desires to pour out that mercy on us. That said, we must first humble ourselves and turn to Him. This is not only at our conversion, but we should live lives of repentance. We should daily fall before God crying for mercy and grace and live lives that reflect the grace we have been shown. This will affect our relationships, our service, and our attitude. After all, if God has been gracious to us...how can we not be gracious to others?

“The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit, a broken spirit and a contrite heart - These, O God, You will not despise.” Psalm 51:17